Having never been to York before I was very much looking forward to this mini break away.
I must say, York is extremely rich in history, it’s apparent everywhere you turn, there is something for everyone, it’s beautiful.
We started our trip in The Grand Hotel literally a stones throw from the centre. On arrival, I felt like a princess, the car door opened, to my surprise, by a friendly man in a top hat who welcomed us to the hotel. I wasn’t expecting that at all. As I frantically gather my belongings for fear that I was holding the doorman up he calmly said…”I’ll take your luggage, don’t you worry we have it covered, no need to rush”
We checked in with no issues and by magic our luggage was there in our spacious suite by the time we got upstairs. I wasn’t expecting that either. I felt very lucky and appreciative with the loveliness of it all.
The hotel was just so grand hence the name. Mark and I could finally find time to relax and enjoy the time together in a welcoming place.
Over the duration of our stay in York, we did what we do best and be tourists. We will forever be tourists wherever we are, home or away. There are things on our life travels that are not taught at school, I truly believe we continue to learn as we grow, through experiences that we are part of. From food, history and the different cultures all add to our knowledge when we travel.
So, if you fancy heading to York here are a few recommendations of things to do and see:
Ghost Tour – Yes, we participated in a Ghost Tour. Why? Well, York is one of the most haunted cities in the UK so I felt compelled to attend one. Mark wasn’t a fan initially but forever the gentleman he is, he held my hand throughout the tour (personally I think he was a bit spooked) and kept me safe. It was surprisingly fun. A cold, dark evening walking the cobbled streets of York hearing haunting stories of the past by our tour guide. I was on high alert with my ghost radar on. Didn’t see one or at least I don’t think I did. It was extra spooky walking through the dark alleys though.
The Shambles – This is by far the most photographed area of York. With the overhanging timber framed buildings dating back to the 14th century. The crooked buildings and Harry Potteresque shops paints just a tiny picture of life back then. Otherwise known as ‘The Great Flesh Shambles’ literally meaning flesh shelves. The word for shelves that butchers used to display their meat. It’s a pretty street and many tourists capture The Shambles on their cameras.
Guy Fawkes was born in York in 1570. Next to York Minster is the Guy Fawkes Inn. The Inn was his birthplace and apparently it still retains some of the original features. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to pop in and have a look, I did take a picture of the blue plaque outside. I was very intrigued by the building and it’s history. So if you are in York take a peak behind the doors for me.
York Chocolate Factory – Did you know Rowntree’s factory opened in 1890? Owned now by Nestle. That means Terrys chocolate orange, Smarties and Kitkat are all from York. If you love chocolate head to the museum of marvellousness.
York Minster – This is one to see actually, you can’t miss it. Over 250 years in the making it’s beautiful. Worth a look inside if you can we past the cathedral in daylight and whilst we were on our ghost tour and it’s pretty spectacular night and day.
Forest Restaurant – Fancy a Yorkshire pudding in York? I had Yorkshire pudding on the side of my pasta dish. I didn’t care, I couldn’t not eat a Yorkshire pudding in York. That would just be wrong of me not to. The Forest restaurant is cosy and I believe part of a B&B. The service was good and the food was tasty so not a bad place to eat.
We had a lovely time and it was so nice to appreciate our new surroundings without rushing around. I would suggest considering going to York in Autumn/Winter as I can imagine Spring/Summer it will be a tourist hotspot and be quite busy. However, if you don’t mind the hustle and bustle in those busier months then it’s definitely a place to check out.
We had a lovely time and no doubt you will too if you love history, chocolate and Yorkshire pudding. 🙂
I am looking forward to sharing our next adventure with you very soon.
With Love Mel x
